Surgical Modesty Garment and Support Bra

ABSTRACT

A modular brassiere that serves as both a modesty garment and an easily-donned support garment. The modular bra includes an elongated support band that is preferably made of elastic material. Hook-and-loop type of engaging panels are used to secure the band around the user&#39;s chest. A separate strap assembly may be added to transfer load to one or more of the user&#39;s shoulders. The support band includes a proximal end and a distal end. A pocket is preferably included, proximate the distal end. The user can place one or more fingers into this pocket to assist in donning the device. A grip panel is preferably included as well. The grip panel includes a strap loop which the user can employ to also assist in donning the device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/007,754. The parent application was filed on Aug. 31, 2020. It listedthe same inventor.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

Microfiche Appendix

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of medical products. Morespecifically, the invention comprises a modular brassiere configured toaddress patient modesty concerns while allowing access for a variety ofsurgical procedures. The inventive brassiere may also be worn aftersurgery in place of a conventional brassiere.

2. Description of the Related Art

Shoulder surgeries are now most often performed using minimally invasivetechniques. Even so, the shoulder area must often be fully accessible toallow the selection of suitable entry points and mobilization of thejoint. Patients are conventionally prepped by covering with a steriledrape until anesthetized. The drape is then folded or cut away from thearea of the shoulder and taped or otherwise secured in place.

Patient modesty concerns are now a significant topic in the surgicalcommunity. Many patients—particularly female patients—wish to know whichportions of the body are exposed during a procedure. Conventional drapesoften leave exposed portions of the anatomy that would otherwise becovered. For female patients in particular, surgical drapes often exposethe chest during shoulder procedures.

In addition, surgeons often wish to minimize the use of any type ofstrap over the shoulder surgery site. Conventional brassieres cannot beworn for a significant time period following a procedure. The presentinvention seeks to cover the chest area while leaving the shoulder fullyaccessible for shoulder surgeries. The present invention often serves asa brassiere that eliminates the use of a strap proximate the surgicalsite.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention comprises a modular brassiere that serves as botha modesty garment and an easily-donned support garment. The modular braincludes an elongated support band that is preferably made of elasticmaterial. Hook-and-loop type engaging panels are used to secure the bandaround the user's chest. A specialized strap assembly may be added totransfer load to the user's non-surgical shoulder.

The support band includes a proximal end and a distal end. A pocket ispreferably included, proximate the distal end. The user can place one ormore fingers into this pocket to assist in donning the device. A grippanel is preferably included as well. The grip panel includes a straploop which the user can employ to also assist in donning the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view, showing the inventive support band.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view, showing the support band of FIG. 1A withthe proximal end curled over.

FIG. 2 is a plan view, showing a flat pattern that may be used to createthe inventive support band.

FIG. 3 is a plan view, showing the flat pattern of FIG. 2 after theseams have been joined.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing some details of the distal end ofthe support band.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view, showing how the grip panel can beattached to the support band.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view, showing the inward facing surface of thesupport band.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing how the length of the support bandcan be reduced to suit a particular patient.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view, showing a strap assembly that can be addedto the support band.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view, showing how the strap assembly can be cut tofit.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, showing a patient donning the inventivesupport band.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view, showing a patient donning the inventivesupport band.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, showing a patient donning the inventivesupport band.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, showing the inventive support band withthe addition of a strap assembly when configured for a left shouldersurgery.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, showing the inventive support band withthe addition of a strap assembly when configured for a right shouldersurgery.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   -   10 support band    -   12 broadened section    -   14 proximal end    -   16 distal end    -   18 pocket    -   20 pocket opening    -   22 divider    -   24 stitched seam    -   26 stitched seam    -   28 stitched seam    -   30 stitched seam    -   32 stitched seam    -   34 grip panel    -   36 strap loop    -   38 outward facing surface    -   40 inward facing surface    -   42 flat pattern    -   44 relief notch    -   46 relief notch    -   48 relief notch    -   50 relief notch    -   52 cup    -   54 cup    -   55 center relief    -   56 hook panel    -   58 hook panel    -   60 removed section    -   62 strap assembly    -   64 first strap    -   66 second strap    -   68 third strap    -   70 fourth strap    -   72 hook panel    -   74 hook panel    -   76 hook panel    -   78 hook panel    -   80 outward facing surface    -   82 inward facing surface    -   84 removed section    -   86 operative shoulder    -   88 non-operative shoulder

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating most of the components of thepresent invention. Support band 10 is preferably made of an elasticmaterial that can stretch longitudinally and laterally. Outward facingsurface 38 is covered in hook-compatible material, meaning a material towhich a Velcro-type hook panel will adhere. This is denoted as “loopcovering” in the drawings. However, this does not necessarily mean aloop “pile” that tends to attract debris. Those skilled in the art willknow that there are presently available hook-compatible materials havinga smooth surface. Outward-facing surface 38 is preferably such a smoothsurface.

Broadened section 12 is configured to cover the user's anterior chest.In the particular embodiment shown, stitched seams 24, 26, 28, 30, and32 are provided to create a three-dimensional shape for broadenedsection 12. As will be explained more fully in this disclosure, thethree-dimensional shape is configured to create a pair of “cups” as arefound in a traditional bra.

Distal end 16 preferably includes pocket 18 having a pocket opening 20.Divider 22 may be furnished to divide the pocket opening into twoportions. The pocket may be easily created by stitching a separate panelof fabric to support band 10 and the divider may be created by stitchingas well.

In the example shown grip panel 34 is provided as a separate, detachablepiece. It is intended to be placed somewhere near proximal end 14, butits precise location may be varied to suit a particular user's anatomy.Grip panel 34 has a hook panel on its underside (from the vantage pointof the viewer in FIG. 1A). This hook panel can be used to secure grippanel to outward facing surface 38 of support band 10. Strap loop 36 isprovided for the user's finger or thumb—as will be explainedsubsequently.

FIG. 1B shows support band 10 with its proximal end lifted to showinward facing surface 40. Inward facing surface 40 will in most casesbear directly against the user's skin. Accordingly, it is preferable tocover inward facing surface 40 with a breathable material having apleasant feel. The support band in the preferred embodiments is made ofat least two elastic layers. The inner layer is breathable, elastic, andpleasant feeling. The outer layer is also preferably breathable andelastic. The outer layer will not bear against the user's skin. However,it is desirable for at least a significant portion of the outward facingsurface of the outer layer should be hook compatible.

Returning briefly to FIG. 1A, the reader should note that in thisembodiment the three-dimensional configuration of broadened section 12is created by stitching together some seams on a flat pattern. FIG. 2depicts a flat pattern 42 that can be used to create this shape. Onlybroadened section 12 is shown in the view. Relief notches 44, 46, 48,and 50 are cut in the edges of the material. Center relief 55 is cut inthe center. Each of these notches or reliefs has a pair of lateral edgesthat can be joined together. One method of joining the lateral edges isto stitch them together. They may also be joined by ultrasonic weldingor the use of fabric adhesive.

FIG. 3 shows the broadened section after the sides of the relief notchesand center relief have been joined together to create stitched seams 24,26, 28, 30, and 32. As those skilled in the art will realize, thejoining of the sides of the relief notches and center relief creates athree-dimensional configuration in which the areas proximate stitchedseams 24, 28, 30, and 32 protrude toward the user (from the vantagepoint of FIG. 3 ). The region of stitched seam 26 tends to be pulledflat.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view after the stitched seams have beenjoined. The protruding areas create cup 52 and cup 54, which areconfigured to serve the same purpose as the cups found in a conventionalbra. Because the material employed is able to stretch in two directions,a single cup configuration can serve a wide variety of anatomical types.

As those skilled in the art will know, the use of a flat pattern andstitched seams is not the only way to create a suitablethree-dimensional shape. A bra cupping machine can be used to form asuitable three-dimensional shape by deforming a suitable materialplastically. The present invention is not limited to any particularmethod of creating a suitable three-dimensional cup shape.

FIG. 5A shows the support band with outward facing surface 38 visible. Asingle grip panel 34 is provided. Two examples of grip panel 34 areshown in the view. The one shown detached from the support band isflipped over to reveal hook panel 56 on its underside. The grip panel 34that is attached to the support band is attached by pressing the hookpanel on its underside (not visible in the view) against the loopcompatible material on outward facing surface 38. Once pressed into thisposition, grip panel 34 becomes securely attached to the support band.Strap loop 36 then protrudes outward from the proximal end as shown.

The reader will observe that the outward facing side of grip panel 34(as it sits attached to the support band) is provided with a panel ofloop covering (meaning a hook compatible material). This panel of loopcovering facilitates the attachment of the band.

FIG. 5B shows the assembly of FIG. 5A flipped over to reveal inwardfacing surface 40. Distal end 16 of the support band includes hook panel58. This hook panel is used to secure the support band back to itself,as will be explained subsequently.

It is preferable to provide the inventive support band as a “universal”size that can then be cut to length to suit individual users. FIG. 6illustrates the process of cutting the band to length. Once a suitablelength has been determined, a pair of scissors or other cuttinginstrument is employed to detach removed section 60—and thereby create arelocated proximal end 14. Grip panel 34 is then pressed into positionon the new proximal end.

Many users will wish to employ a strap system in conjunction with thesupport band. FIG. 7 shows an elevation view of an embodiment of strapassembly 62. Patients undergoing shoulder surgery will have an“operative” shoulder (the shoulder on which surgery is to be performed)and a “non-operative” shoulder (the other shoulder). The strap assemblyshown is designed to place the load of the straps on the non-operativeshoulder and to leave the operative shoulder free. The strap assemblyshown is also designed to be placed over the left shoulder or the rightshoulder (depending upon which shoulder needs to be free). Thus, theterminology used to describe the strap assembly components will not usedirectional terms such as “left” or “right.” This reflects the fact thatthe orientation of the strap assembly can be reversed as needed.

In the embodiment shown, four separate straps extend outward from acentral junction. These are: first strap 64, second strap 66, thirdstrap 68, and fourth strap 70. The straps are made of an elasticmaterial having an inward facing surface 82 and an outward facingsurface 80. The inward facing surface is preferably soft and breathable(as it will bear against the user's skin). The outward facing surface ispreferably covered in hook compatible material. A hook panel 72, 74, 76,78 is connected to the end of each strap by pressing hook-and-loop typehooks on each hook panel into the hook compatible material on theoutward facing surface of each strap.

The strap system is preferably made of a material that can be cut to adesired length. FIG. 8 shows the process of cutting free removed section84 and adjusting the position of hook panel 78. The concept is to haveeach hook panel extend beyond the end of the strap to which it isattached. This configuration allows some of the hooks on each hook panelto engage another hook-compatible surface, thereby attaching the end ofthe strap to the other surface.

FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate how the inventive support garment isplaced on a user. The support is designed to be self-donned, though itcan obviously be applied by a health care provider as well. Theinventive support garment is intended to be wearable in a left-handed orright-handed configuration. One can change from left-handed toright-handed by flipping it over.

In FIG. 9 the user is wearing an undershirt. In many instances supportband 10 will be applied directly to the skin with no undershirt. In theexample of FIG. 9 , the operative shoulder is the user's left shoulder.The reader should bear in mind that the inventive garment will likely beused after surgery during the recovery phase. In this phase it isgenerally undesirable for the patient to reach rearward using theoperative shoulder. Stated another way, it is undesirable for thepatient to move the elbow on the operative side significantly rearwardof the torso or to move the elbow away from the torso. The invention isdesigned with these constraints in mind.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the user passes support band 10 around her waistand hooks her left thumb through strap loop 36 on grip panel 34. Theposition shown allows the user to hold proximal end 14 without having tosignificantly move the operative shoulder. She places the thumb andfingers of her right hand in the pocket on the outward facing side ofdistal end 16. She then pulls the band upward to a position underneaththe armpits as shown. The reader should recall that the band is made ofelastic material and can be stretched to a desired length.

In FIG. 10 , the user has wrapped her right hand over the position ofgrip panel 34 and pressed the hook panel on the inward facing side ofdistal end 16 against the hook-compatible material on proximal end 14.Support band 10 has thereby been secured to itself. She can then removeher right hand from pocket 18 and slide her left hand out from under thesupport band. In this view the reader will observe that the significantmotion required to attach the garment has been performed usingnon-operative shoulder 88 rather than operative shoulder 86. The usermay then wish to grasp the encircling support band and pull it up to asnug position as shown in FIG. 11 (using the hand of her non-operativeshoulder).

FIG. 12 shows the same configuration with the addition of a strapassembly. In this example the non-operative shoulder is the patient'sright shoulder. It is this shoulder that should carry the strap load.Third strap 68 is passed over the right shoulder (non-operativeshoulder) and secured to the front of support band 10 with hook panel76. Fourth strap 70 is likewise secured to the front of the support bandusing hook panel 78. Returning briefly to FIG. 7 , the reader willrecall that strap assembly 62 has first strap 64 and second strap 66 aswell. These other two straps are also secured to the support band in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 12 , with the free ends of the lower strapsbeing secured to the posterior portions of the support band as itappears in FIG. 12 . Owing to the vantage point of FIG. 12 these otherstraps are not visible.

Looking again at FIG. 7 , the reader should note that some embodimentsof the strap assembly use only two straps and still others may use threestraps or some other number of straps. The goal is to provide supportusing the non-operative shoulder and other configurations can suit thisgoal.

FIG. 13 shows the inventive garment configured for use where thepatient's right shoulder is the operative shoulder 86 and the patient'sleft shoulder is the non-operative shoulder 88. In this version firststrap 64 and second strap 66 extend from the region of the patient'sleft shoulder and connect to the band using hook panel 72 and hook panel74. The donning of the garment is the same as described for FIGS. 9-12 ,except that the operation resulting in the configuration shown in FIG.13 is the mirror of the operation shown in FIGS. 9-12 .

The inventive garment can serve many purposes, including acting as a“modesty” garment during shoulder surgery and as a support garment bothbefore and after surgery. FIGS. 12 and 13 show a configuration that issuitable for surgery. Support brace 10 is placed over the patient'snaked upper body. The garment may actually be donned by the patientherself in a pre-surgical waiting area. The garment is comfortable towear and provides the support of a conventional bra.

Depending on the patient's progress post-surgery, the inventive supportbrace can be worn in place of a conventional bra. As those skilled inthe art will know, shoulder surgery patients have limited shouldermobility for some period. Thus, it is preferable to provide a supportgarment that can be donned with a shoulder having limited mobility.

In the configuration of FIG. 9 , the assumption is that the patient'sleft shoulder has limited mobility. Once she places her thumb in straploop 36, she can leave her left shoulder in the braced position shownand use the motion of her right shoulder to loop the support band intoposition and secure it.

For a patient having limited mobility on her right shoulder, the donningprocess would be reversed. The inventive garment would be flipped upsidedown so that the thumb of her right hand is through strap loop 36. Shewould then user the mobility of her left shoulder to loop the supportband into position.

Although the preceding descriptions present considerable detail theyshould be properly viewed as illustrating embodiments of the presentinvention rather than limiting the scope of the invention. Many moreembodiments following the same principles will occur to those skilled nthe art. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be fixed by thefollowing claims rather than by the examples given.

1. A method for applying a support garment suitable for use in asurgical procedure and post surgery, said garment configured for use ona patient user having a chest, a first breast, a second breast, a firstshoulder, a second shoulder, a first hand, and a second hand,comprising: (a) providing a support band made of elastic material,including, (i) a proximal end, (ii) a distal end, (iii) an outwardfacing surface including a hook-compatible covering, (iv) an inwardfacing surface, (v) a pocket proximate said distal end on said outwardfacing surface, said pocket configured to receive at least a portion ofsaid first hand of said patient user, (vi) a first cup formed in saidsupport band, said first cup configured to receive said first breast,(vii) a second cup formed in said support band, said second cupconfigured to receive said second breast, (viii) a first hook panellocated on said inward facing surface of said support band proximatesaid distal end, (ix) a grip panel configured to be gripped by saidsecond hand of said patient user, said grip panel being connected tosaid proximal end of said support band; (b) wrapping said support bandaround said chest of said patient; and (c) engaging said first hookpanel on said inward facing surface of said support band to said loopcovering on said outward facing surface of said support band, therebysecuring said support band to itself.
 2. The method for applying asupport garment as recited in claim 1, wherein: (a) cutting saidproximal end of said support band, thereby forming a new position forsaid proximal end of said support band; (b) providing said grip panelwith a second hook panel; and (c) placing said grip panel in said newposition for said proximal end of said grip panel by engaging said hookpanel on said grip panel to said loop covering on said outward facingsurface of said support band.
 3. The method for applying a supportgarment as recited in claim 1, further comprising: (a) providing a firstrelief notch in said support band proximate said first cup, said firstrelief notch including a first pair of lateral edges; (b) providing asecond relief notch in said support band proximate said first cup, saidsecond relief notch including a second pair of lateral edges; (c)providing a third relief notch in said support band proximate saidsecond cup, said third relief notch including a third pair of lateraledges; (d) providing a fourth relief notch in said support bandproximate said second cup, said fourth relief notch including a fourthpair of lateral edges; (e) wherein said first pair of lateral edges arejoined together; (f) wherein said second pair of lateral edges arejoined together; (g) wherein said third pair of lateral edges are joinedtogether; and (h) wherein said fourth pair of lateral edges are joinedtogether.
 4. The method for applying a support garment as recited inclaim 3, wherein said joining of said pairs of lateral edges isaccomplished by stitching.
 5. The method for applying a support garmentas recited in claim 3, further comprising: (a) providing a center reliefin said support band in the form of a slit located between said firstand second cups, said center relief including a fifth pair of lateraledges; and (b) wherein said fifth pair of lateral edges are joinedtogether.
 6. The method for applying a support garment as recited inclaim 1, further comprising: (a) providing a strap assembly, including,(i) a first strap having an outward facing surface with a loop covering,(ii) a second strap having an outward facing surface with a loopcovering, (iii) a first hook panel, and (iv) a second hook panel; (b)attaching said strap assembly to said outward facing surface on saidsupport band by an engagement between said first hook panel, said firststrap, and said support band; and (c) attaching said strap assembly tosaid outward facing surface on said support band by an engagementbetween said second hook panel, said second strap, and said supportband.
 7. The method for applying a support garment as recited in 6,further comprising: (a) providing on said strap assembly, (i) a thirdstrap having an outward facing surface with a loop covering, (ii) afourth strap having an outward facing surface with a loop covering,(iii) a third hook panel, and (iv) a fourth hook panel; (b) attachingsaid strap assembly to said outward facing surface on said support bandby an engagement between said third hook panel, said third strap, andsaid support band; and (c) attaching said strap assembly to said outwardfacing surface on said support band by an engagement between said fourthhook panel, said fourth strap, and said support band.
 8. The method forapplying a support garment as recited in claim 6, wherein said first andsecond straps are configured to be cut to a desired length in order tofit said patient.
 9. The method for applying a support garment asrecited in claim 8, wherein said first hook panel and said second hookpanel are detachable so that they can be placed on a newly cut proximalend.
 10. The method for applying a support garment as recited in claim 1wherein said support band is made of elastic material configured tostretch in two perpendicular directions.
 11. A method for applying asupport garment suitable for use in a surgical procedure and postsurgery, said garment configured for use on a patient user having achest, a first breast, a second breast, a first shoulder, a secondshoulder, a first hand, and a second hand, comprising: (a) providing asupport band made of elastic material, including, (i) a proximal end,(ii) a distal end, (iii) an outward facing surface including ahook-compatible covering, (iv) an inward facing surface, (v) a first cupformed in said support band, said first cup configured to receive saidfirst breast, (vi) a second cup formed in said support band, said secondcup configured to receive said second breast, (vii) a first hook panellocated on said inward facing surface of said support band proximatesaid distal end, (viii) a grip panel configured to be gripped by saidsecond hand of said patient user, said grip panel being connected tosaid proximal end of said support band; (b) wrapping said support bandaround said chest of said patient; and (c) engaging said first hookpanel on said inward facing surface of said support band to said loopcovering on said outward facing surface of said support band, therebysecuring said support band to itself.
 12. The method for applying asupport garment as recited in claim 11, wherein: (a) cutting saidproximal end of said support band, thereby forming a new position forsaid proximal end of said support band; (b) providing said grip panelwith a second hook panel; and (c) placing said grip panel in said newposition for said proximal end of said grip panel by engaging said hookpanel on said grip panel to said loop covering on said outward facingsurface of said support band.
 13. The method for applying a supportgarment as recited in claim 11, further comprising: (a) providing afirst relief notch in said support band proximate said first cup, saidfirst relief notch including a first pair of lateral edges; (b)providing a second relief notch in said support band proximate saidfirst cup, said second relief notch including a second pair of lateraledges; (c) providing a third relief notch in said support band proximatesaid second cup, said third relief notch including a third pair oflateral edges; (d) providing a fourth relief notch in said support bandproximate said second cup, said fourth relief notch including a fourthpair of lateral edges; (e) wherein said first pair of lateral edges arejoined together; (f) wherein said second pair of lateral edges arejoined together; (g) wherein said third pair of lateral edges are joinedtogether; and (h) wherein said fourth pair of lateral edges are joinedtogether.
 14. The method for applying a support garment as recited inclaim 13, wherein said joining of said pairs of lateral edges isaccomplished by stitching.
 15. The method for applying a support garmentas recited in claim 13, further comprising: (a) providing a centerrelief in said support band in the form of a slit located between saidfirst and second cups, said center relief including a fifth pair oflateral edges; and (b) wherein said fifth pair of lateral edges arejoined together.
 16. The method for applying a support garment asrecited in claim 11, further comprising: (a) providing a strap assembly,including, (i) a first strap having an outward facing surface with aloop covering, (ii) a second strap having an outward facing surface witha loop covering, (iii) a first hook panel, and (iv) a second hook panel;(b) attaching said strap assembly to said outward facing surface on saidsupport band by an engagement between said first hook panel, said firststrap, and said support band; and (c) attaching said strap assembly tosaid outward facing surface on said support band by an engagementbetween said second hook panel, said second strap, and said supportband.
 17. The method for applying a support garment as recited in 16,further comprising: (a) providing on said strap assembly, (i) a thirdstrap having an outward facing surface with a loop covering, (ii) afourth strap having an outward facing surface with a loop covering,(iii) a third hook panel, and (iv) a fourth hook panel; (b) attachingsaid strap assembly to said outward facing surface on said support bandby an engagement between said third hook panel, said third strap, andsaid support band; and (c) attaching said strap assembly to said outwardfacing surface on said support band by an engagement between said fourthhook panel, said fourth strap, and said support band.
 18. The method forapplying a support garment as recited in claim 16, wherein said firstand second straps are configured to be cut to a desired length in orderto fit said patient.
 19. The method for applying a support garment asrecited in claim 18, wherein said first hook panel and said second hookpanel are detachable so that they can be placed on a newly cut proximalend.
 20. The method for applying a support garment as recited in claim11 wherein said support band is made of elastic material configured tostretch in two perpendicular directions.